Who can not work on a boat

In most cases a person with a physical handicap can not work on a boat. This is due to the United States Coast Guards documentation requirements. If you have a minor physical handicap the Coast Guard may allow you to get the required documentations you need to work on a boat. In many cases a Coast Guard Medical review officer will require additional test to prove you are capable of performing the required duties on board a vessel. While this might not seem politically correct, every person on a boat has to depend on everyone else for their safety and well being.

An example or a minor physical handicap that requires additional testing is asthma. If a person has asthma the Medical review officer will require the person to go get a Pulmonary functions history test and he will review the results and determine if you are qualified for documentation.
There are so many possibilities that it is best to contact the Coast Guard directly and speak to them about your physical conditions to get an idea if you qualify.

Illegal drug users will not be qualified to work on a boat. All boat companies are required to drug test the people that work on boats. This is done pre employment, and then at random times. If there is any incident like a fuel , oil, or liquid mud spill the company and the Coast Guard will come to the boat and drug test everyone. If the boat is in any type of collision the company will drug test everyone on board and if 25,000$ or more of damage is done the Coast Guard will also get involved. If there is anyone injured on a boat the company will drug test everyone on the boat and if severe enough to cause death the Coast Guard will get involved.

There have been many scams over the years on how to pass a drug test. In my time on boats I have seen the people trying the scams come and go.If you are an illegal drug user it is best that you wait until you grow up and get it out of your system. Companies are required by law to report a person that fails a drug test to the Coast Guard. The result will be suspending your documents for a period of time and making you attend drug classes and what ever else just like if you were arrested for it before you can get your documents back.

People that take certain medications may not be qualified to work on a boat. For instance: Maybe you have a bi polar disorder but with your medication you are fine. The Coast Guard may deem a person under the medicine you take can not use it while working, and you need it for you to function. That could make you ineligible. Some medications can not be taken while at work and you might need them to function. It is best to contact the USCG and talk to them first.

Criminals can work on boats but it is complicated. I wont spend much time on this. The Coast Guard is very strict with felonies or DUI and Reckless Driving charges. Most misdemeanor's aren't held against you. If you have a DUI or reckless driving charge against you you will have to wait 1 year before the Coast Guard will allow you to get your documents. If more than 1 it gets complicated. Different drug charges and other serious offenses are all treated differently. I won't go into this unless you are already documented and need to know what will happen and how it works.